Monday, November 19, 2007

The Maryland Constitution

Which of the following items seems as if it is inappropriate to appear in the Maryland Constitution?

We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, declare:

Article 1. That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient.

Art. 5. (b) The parties to any civil proceeding in which the right to a jury trial is preserved are entitled to a trial by jury of at least 6 jurors.

Art. 7. That the right of the People to participate in the Legislature is the best security of liberty and the foundation of all free Government; for this purpose, elections ought to be free and frequent; and every citizen having the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, ought to have the right of suffrage.

Art. 10. That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.

Art. 13. That every man hath a right to petition the Legislature for the redress of grievances in a peaceable and orderly manner.

Art. 14. That no aid, charge, tax, burthen or fees ought to be rated or levied, under any pretense, without the consent of the Legislature.

Art. 22. That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a criminal case.

Art. 48. We shall have slots, hon, down Ocean City, in the number less than 15,000 machines, of which the total across the state shall be. We also want slots down Rocky Gap out in Western Maryland. The state shall assume 55% of all proceeds from slots to pay for education. The machines should pay out 85% of all proceeds. The machines will be digital and glitzy, not to exceed 95 decibels.

If you think one of these items does not belong in the Maryland Constitution, you get the chance to vote on it. The legislators decided that it was too risky to vote on it themselves and rather than having a legislative referendum to have the voters decide (which would have allowed slots under a new Maryland law), the left-wing liberals and the misguided and unintelligent Baltimore City delegation voted to have a Constitutional referendum, which will add the details of slots into the Maryland Constitution. So, "We the people of Maryland wanna play slots, hon."

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